Impact of ultra-low temperature storage on serum sIgE detection and allergic disease biobank feasibility.

Research has shown that the concentration and composition of biological samples may change after long-term ultra-low temperature storage. Consequently, this study examined the effect of ultra-low temperature storage on serum sIgE detection by comparing sIgE concentrations at various durations from the time of sample storage to subsequent testing. We selected 40 serum samples from the Guangzhou Medical University Affiliated First Hospital Biobank, which had been tested for house dust mites, dog hair, tobacco mold, cockroaches, and cow milk allergen sIgE. Samples were categorized by storage duration: 14 samples stored for 10 years, 12 for 5 years, and 14 for 3 years. They were also classified by sIgE positive levels: 15 samples at levels 1-2, 15 at levels 3-4, and 10 at levels 5-6. The allergen sIgE of these samples was retested using the same technology. Regardless of the type of allergen or the level of positivity, the majority of sIgE concentrations measured at the time of storage were higher than the current measurements, but the difference was not statistically significant. The correlation between the sIgE results at the time of storage and the current results was high for samples stored for 10 years (rs = 0.991, P < 0.001) and 5 years (rs = 0.964, P < 0.001). Serum allergen sIgE is stable when stored under ultra-low temperature conditions, making the construction of a biological sample bank for allergic diseases feasible. This will facilitate researchers in quickly obtaining samples, conducting technical research, and translating findings, thereby promoting the development of the field of allergy through integration of industry, academia, and research.

Gut Bacteria Promote Phosphine Susceptibility of Tribolium castaneum by Aggravating Oxidative Stress and Fitness Costs.

Knowledge about resistance mechanisms can provide ideas for pesticide resistance management. Although several studies have unveiled the positive or negative impacts of gut microbes on host pesticide resistance, minimal research is available regarding the association between gut microbes and host phosphine resistance. To explore the influence of gut bacteria on host phosphine susceptibility and its molecular basis, mortality, fitness, redox responses, and immune responses of adult Tribolium castaneum were determined when it was challenged by phosphine exposure and/or gut bacteria inoculation. Five cultivable gut bacteria were excised from a population of phosphine-resistant T. castaneum. Among them, only Enterococcus sp. inoculation significantly promoted host susceptibility to phosphine, while inoculation of any other gut bacteria had no significant effect on host phosphine susceptibility. Furthermore, when T. castaneum was exposed to phosphine, Enterococcus sp. inoculation decreased the female fecundity, promoted host oxidative stress, and suppressed the expression and activity of host superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. In the absence of phosphine, Enterococcus sp. inoculation also elicited overactive immune responses in T. castaneum, including the immune deficiency and Toll signaling pathways and the dual oxidase-reactive oxygen species system. These results indicate that Enterococcus sp. likely promotes host phosphine susceptibility by aggravating oxidative stress and fitness costs.

A study of allergen detection panel in Guangzhou, southern China based on real-world data from the past 7 years.

This study aims to reduce the cost of allergen testing for Guangzhou, China by limiting the number of allergens for which patients are tested, and provide a testing panel to improve diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency. This retrospective study of real-world data from 2012 to 2019 included 39,570 patients with suspected allergies in Guangzhou, southern China. All the patients were tested for one or more of the following allergens serum specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE): Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, cat dander, dog dander, Artemisia vulgaris, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Blattella germanica, egg whites, milk, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, Cancer pagurus, and Penaeus monodon by PhadiaCAP 1000. Totally, only the positive rates of allergens sIgE in D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, milk, egg whites, B. germanica, C. pagurus, A. alternata, and P. monodon were > 10%, the other allergens were between 4-7%. Moreover, among the allergic diseases, dust mites exhibited the overall highest positive rate, followed by milk and B. germanica. In children, milk was the main allergen, whereas in adults, mites, cockroaches, shrimp, and crab allergens had higher positive rates. The optimal scale analysis shows that the multiple sensitization classification of patients can be divided into three categories: I D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus; II. C. pagurus, P. monodon, and B. germanica; III. Milk and egg whites. Generally, a panel including 4 allergens can detect > 90% of the potential allergy in this local population. In Guangzhou, southern China, D. farinae, milk, B. germanica, and A. alternata as a panel screening allergy for suspected allergic patients was suggested base on this study.

Molecular mechanism of Enterococcus faecalis-induced phosphine sensitivity in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) has developed extensive resistance to the fumigant phosphine. Knowledge of the resistance mechanisms offers insight into resistance management. Although several studies have highlighted the positive or negative impacts of symbiotic microbiota on host pesticide resistance, little is known about the association between gut symbionts and host phosphine resistance. To reveal the effect of the gut bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes & Horder) (Lactobacillales: Enterococcaceae), on host phosphine resistance and its underlying mechanism, we investigated mortality, fitness, redox responses, and immune responses of adult T. castaneum when challenged with E. faecalis inoculation and/or phosphine exposure. When T. castaneum was exposed to phosphine, E. faecalis inoculation decreased its survival and female fecundity and aggravated its oxidative stress. Furthermore, E. faecalis inoculation suppressed the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in phosphine-exposed T. castaneum. Enterococcus faecalis inoculation also triggered excessive host immune responses, including the immune deficiency signaling pathway and the dual oxidase-reactive oxygen species system. These findings suggest that E. faecalis likely modulates host phosphine resistance by interfering with the redox system. This provides information for examining the symbiotic function in the insect-microorganism relationship and new avenues for pesticide resistance management.

The relationship of D. pteronyssinus allergic component sIgE and sIgG4 in house dust mite allergic rhinitis or/and allergic asthma patients.

Objective: House-dust mite sensitization is an important cause of allergic asthma and/or rhinitis in southern China. This study aimed to analyze the immune effect and relationship between the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus components specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and sIgG4. Methods: The serum levels of sIgE and sIgG4 to D. pteronyssinus allergen components Der p 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 23 were detected in 112 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or allergic asthma (AA). Results: Overall, Der p 1 had the highest positive rate of sIgE (72.3%), followed by Der p 2 (65.2%) and Der p 23 (46.4%). Meanwhile, the highest positive rates of sIgG4 were for Der p 2 (47.3%), Der p 1 (33.0%), and Der p 23 (25.0%). The patients with AR and AA had a higher positive rate (43.4%) of sIgG4 than that in the patients with AR (42.4%) and the patients with AA (20.4%; p = 0.043). In patients with AR, the positive rate of sIgE in Der p 1 (84.8%) was higher than that in sIgG4 (42.4%; p = 0.037), but the positive rate of sIgG4 in Der p 10 (21.2%) was higher than that in sIgE (18.2%; p < 0.001). Most of the patients were positive for sIgE and sIgG4 of Der p 2 and Der p 10 at the same time. However, positive results for sIgE alone were just found in Der p 7 and Der p 21. Optimal scale analysis showed that Der p 2, Der p 7, and Der p 21 sIgG4 were closely related to AR and AA (Cronbach α = 0.917). Conclusion: Herein, the D. pteronyssinus allergen components showed different characteristics among the patients with AR, patients with AA, and patients with AR and AA in southern China. Thus, sIgG4 may be play an important role in allergic reactions.

Characteristics of Allergen Components of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in Shrimp and Mite Co-Sensitized Patients in Southern China.

INTRODUCTION: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and shrimp are common air allergens and allergenic food sources, respectively, in southern China. This study aimed to analyze the specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) characteristics and relationships of Dp components among co-sensitized patients with Dp and shrimp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 112 patients with Dp sensitization (61 with shrimp sensitization and 51 without) from southern China. The sIgE concentrations of Dp and shrimp crude extracts were determined by ImmunoCAP, and the sIgE of Dp allergen components (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 5, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23) was detected by protein chip. RESULTS: Overall, in the Dp-allergic patients, Der p 1 had the highest positive rate (72.3%), followed by Der p 2 (65.2%), Der p 23 (46.4%), Der p 7 (32.14%), Der p 21 (29.46%), Der p 5 (22.32%), and Der p 10 (17.86%). Compared with that in the shrimp nonsensitized group, the positive rate of sIgE for Der p 10 (27.87% vs. 5.88%, p = 0.002) in the shrimp sensitization group was significantly higher; however, the positive rate of sIgE for Der p 7 (22.95% vs. 43.14%, p = 0.023) was significantly lower. Moreover, the concentration of sIgE for Der p 10 increased statistically in the shrimp-sensitized group. The correlation analysis also showed that shrimp sensitization was significantly correlated with Der p 10. CONCLUSION: Among patients with Dp sensitization, Der p 1 had the highest positive rate, followed by Der p 2 and Der p 23. Meanwhile, Der p 10 may play an important role in patients with shrimp sensitization, while Der p 7 may be the meaningful allergen component in patients with Dp sensitization alone. In general, component-resolved diagnosis technology in clinical practice can effectively guide patients with polysensitization to avoid allergic substances.

A new trend in sensitization to cockroach allergen: A cross-sectional study of indoor allergens and food allergens in the inland region of Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing prevalence of allergic disease, large-scale studies to investigate allergen sensitization have rarely been conducted in the inland region of Southwest China. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the trend of allergen sensitization in mainland China from 2016 to 2017. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, from 2016 to 2017, the serum samples of 7,759 allergic patients collected from 38 hospitals in Yunnan were detected the specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) against 8 indoor and food allergens, namely, house dust mite, cockroach, dog dander, mold mix, egg white, milk, crab, and shrimp. The polysensitization patterns were analyzed through cluster analysis, and the relationship between cockroach and other indoor and food allergens was analyzed. RESULTS: Allergen sIgE positivity was prevalent in 45.6% of the population. Cockroach was the most common allergen (27.0%), followed by house dust mite (25.6%), shrimp (18.8%) and crab (15.6%). Three polysensitization clusters were identified: cluster 1): egg white/milk; cluster 2): crab/shrimp/cockroach/house dust mite/dog dander; and cluster 3): mold mix. The sIgE levels and sensitization rates to house dust mite, crab, and shrimp increased with the level of cockroach sIgE (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on big data in the real world, we found that there is a new trend in common allergens in Southwest China, where house dust mite is the only available reagent of specific immunotherapy. Cockroaches may become another major allergen in mainland China in the future, and clinicians should be aware of this.

Global burden of rabies in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Rabies is an acute lethal infectious disease caused by a lyssavirus infection. In 2018, the World Health Organization proposed a global strategic plan to end human rabies deaths by 2030. However, systematic studies on the global rabies disease burden and epidemiological trends are scarce. METHODS: We extracted the disease burden and epidemiological data of rabies worldwide in the preceding 30 years from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and performed a comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: In 2019, the incident cases of rabies worldwide were 14,075.51 (95% uncertainty interval: 6124.33-21,618.11), and the number of deaths was 13,743.44 (95% uncertainty interval: 6019.13-17,938.53), both of which were lower than that in 1990. With the improvement of the sociodemographic index, the incident cases, the number of deaths, age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized incidence death rate, and disability-adjusted life years of rabies all showed downward trends. Adolescents and adults aged <50 years represented the majority of rabies cases worldwide. CONCLUSION: The global disease burden of rabies has declined over the past 30 years. Furthermore, the disease burden of rabies was closely related to the sociodemographic index level.

Efficacy and safety of Sanfeng Tongqiao Diwan in patients with allergic rhinitis: a single-arm clinical trial in China.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and its own characteristics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. In this study, the efficacy and safety of patients with allergic rhinitis treated with Sanfeng Tongqiao Diwan were observed to support the clinical medication of patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: A total of 61 patients with allergic rhinitis aged 12-70 years from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were included in this study. All the patients were treated with Sanfeng Tongqiao Diwan for a period of 7 days. Return visits were carried out 24 hours after the first medication, the 4th day of medication, and the 7th day of medication, during which the efficacy and safety were assessed. Results: The effective rates of Sanfeng Tongqiao Diwan at 24 hours, 4 days, and 7 days were 49.2%, 60.7%, and 65.6%, respectively. Comparing the severity of various symptoms after treatment to baseline, significant differences were found in nasal secretion (2.95±0.67 vs. 2.26±1.30, P<0.001), stuffy nose (5.66±2.95 vs. 3.34±2.57, P<0.001), mucosa congestion (7.08±1.82 vs. 4.23±2.28, P<0.001), running nose (5.21±1.81 vs. 2.90±1.89, P<0.001), and sneezing (3.00±0 vs. 1.92±1.45, P<0.001). The full symptom scores showed progressive decline during treatment, measuring 20.21±5.13 at baseline and 12.02±6.47 at 7 days (P<0.001). Compared to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score of 64.61±30.27 at baseline, statistical significance (P<0.001) was found at 24 hours, 4 days, and 7 days, measuring 43.11±28.01, 40.74±28.6, and 39.97±40.48, respectively. The incidence rate of adverse events (AEs) was 3.3% (2/61), with no serious AEs. Conclusions: In this study, the use of Sanfeng Tongqiao Diwan is effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients, especially in patients with severe symptoms. Although the treatment system of TCM is different from that of Western medicine, the application of TCM will provide a new direction for the treatment of chronic diseases. Follow-up studies with an increased sample size are required for verification.

Three patterns of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, birch and their major allergen components revealed by Latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mugwort, timothy, and birch are commonly spread pollen allergens across China. Although several studies have described the rates of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, and birch in China, most of them just on specific whole-allergen extracts but little was known about the co-sensitization characteristics of its allergen components. This study aimed to explore the patterns of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, birch, and their major allergen components. METHOD: Serum specific IgE (sIgE) levels of allergen components of mugwort, timothy, birch, and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) were detected in 160 patients whose serum showed positive results to at least one of mugwort, timothy, and birch allergens via EUROBlotMaster system. Skin prick testing was utilized to assess the allergic reaction of grass, weed, and tree allergens. Latent class analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of sensitization to a series of allergen components and their corresponding extracts. RESULTS: 88.8% of patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were positive for mugwort-sIgE, 30% for timothy-sIgE, and 32.5% for birch-sIgE. By using the LCA model, three sensitization patterns as "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized", "Timothy, mugwort, and CCD co-sensitized", "Mugwort and Art v 1 co-sensitized" were revealed based on optimal statistical fit in this study. Compared with other clusters, participants in "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized" pattern were associated with higher sensitization rates of common grass and tree pollens allergen. The spearman's coefficient between CCD and timothy was larger than the corresponding values of CCD with mugwort or birch. CONCLUSION: CCD and profilin, as minor allergens in pollens, were associated with other pollen sIgE false positives presumably due to cross-reactivity. Patients sensitized with profilin had a significantly higher risk of sensitization to other pollens.

Profiles of sensitization and comorbidity in asthma patients with markedly increased serum total IgE (>1000kU/L).

Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays an important role in asthma, but a few patients exhibit extremely high levels of serum total IgE. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the profiles of comorbidity and/or complications, severity, and sensitizations in patients with asthma and with a total IgE level > 1000 kU/L. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 170 patients with asthma and with total IgE levels of >1000 kU/L from the inpatient data base. Available information, including age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, results of routine blood tests, pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum (if any), IgE (both total and specific) tests and medication records were analyzed. Results: In the study subjects, >80% were adults, and the average total IgE level was median (interquartile range) 1438 kU/L (1181-2255 kU/L). Approximately 15% of the subjects had at least one comorbidity and/or complication, and 78.82% of the subjects were positive for at least one allergen. Airway infections (44.71%) and rhinosinusitis (41.18%) accounted for the two most common conditions despite age groups. Total IgE levels did not differ among the subjects with different conditions. Overall, mites had the highest positive rate (59.4%). Serum total IgE levels were positively correlated with house-dust mite specific IgE (sIgE) levels (r = 0.23; p < 0.05), peripheral blood eosinophil counts (r = 0.21; p < 0.01), and the number of confirmed sIgE positivity (r = 0.19; p < 0.01), and optimal scaling analysis showed that asthma severity was associated with Aspergillus fumigatus sIgE levels. Conclusion: In the subjects with asthma and with a total IgE level of >1000 kU/L, the two most common conditions were airway infections and rhinosinusitis, despite sensitization. A. fumigatus sIgE levels were closely associated with total IgE levels and asthma severity.

The Goal of Carbon Peaking, Carbon Emissions, and the Economic Effects of China's Energy Planning Policy: Analysis Using a CGE Model.

This study focuses on the effects of China's carbon peaking policy, investigating how to balance nonfossil energy consumption and coal consumption to achieve China's carbon peaking policy goal. The research applies the recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model to simulate the impact of China's energy planning policies using five scenarios to analyze the carbon emissions and economic effects of China's energy planning policy from the perspectives of energy use, carbon emissions, the macroeconomy, and institutional income. The simulation results indicate that to achieve the goal of carbon peaking by 2030, the annual installed capacity of nonfossil energy must reach 112.29 gigawatts, and average annual coal consumption in the China 15th Five-Year Plan and 16th Five-Year Plan should be reduced by 20 million and 40 million tons, respectively, which will result in the proportion of nonfossil energy in primary energy consumption reaching about 25%. Limiting coal consumption will slow economic growth, whereas increasing the installed capacity of nonfossil energy will stimulate economic growth. The combined policies will have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions and achieving the carbon peaking goal and will also offset the adverse effects of such policies on the macroeconomy.

A Multicenter Study Assessing Risk Factors and Aeroallergens Sensitization Characteristics in Children with Self-Reported Allergic Rhinitis in China.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, epidemiological studies on allergy rhinitis (AR) have primarily focused on determining the risk of disease in Chinese adults, with the majority of them designed by single centers, while cross-sectional and epidemiological data describing allergic sensitization in children with self-reported AR are scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study was estimating of the latest information about the sensitization patterns and risk factors of clinical AR to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of AR. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between January 2020 and June 2021 involving children from seven cities in China who reported AR. A total of 762 children participated in this survey. To evaluate the risk factors and specific sensitization patterns of clinical AR through questionnaires and specific immunoglobulin E to 11 aeroallergens. RESULTS: Of the 762 patients, 593 (77.8%) had at least one positive IgE level. Aged 7-14 years (OR 1.503, (95% CI 1.058-2.136), P = 0.023); With allergic conjunctivitis (OR 1.843, (95% CI 1.297-2.620), P = 0.001) and living in the Eastern (OR 1.802, (95% CI 1.263-2.573), P = 0.001) all elevated the risk of clinical AR associated with aeroallergens. The sensitization rates of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae were higher than those of other allergens in the 0-6 and 7-14 years old age groups. The most common aeroallergens among self-reported children with AR in the eastern were D. farinae (74.9%) and D. pteronyssinus (74.3%), while in the western were mugwort (60.0%) and marguerite (56.6%). Majority of sIgE-positive subjects were sensitized to three or more of the tested pollen allergens in the Western (52.1%), compared with 5.7% in the Eastern. CONCLUSION: There was an apparent geographic variation in childhood allergies in China. Age factors also had strong impacts on the allergen sensitization rate of children, but these impacts differed across regions.

Avoiding panic during pandemics: COVID-19 and tourism-related businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought devastating impacts of an unprecedented scale to tourism-related businesses due to governments instituting mobility restrictions and business closures worldwide. In this research, we present the results of a survey involving 1212 tourism-related businesses in Jiangxi province, China, in late February 2020. The survey covered various topics, including (1) self-evaluated effects of COVID-19, (2) business responses, (3) social responsibility behavior, and (4) anticipated government policies. Findings from mixed-effects (ordered) logit models revealed that small-sized businesses appear particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. Social responsibility behavior is determined by business size, local pandemic circumstances, and local tourism dependence. Different businesses favor distinct government aid policies. Based on estimation results from our econometric models, we plotted a policy positioning matrix to identify appropriate policy measures for diverse businesses.

Increase in Indoor Inhalant Allergen Sensitivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South China: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2017 to 2020.

PURPOSE: Public health measures during COVID-19 have led to an unprecedented change in social lifestyle which might have an impact on the allergen sensitization in population. We sought to explore the prevalence patterns of serum inhalant and food allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) sensitization and serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) level among patients with clinical symptoms of suspected allergic diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in south China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A large epidemiology study was conducted on the prevalence patterns of sIgE sensitization and serum tIgE level among 13,715 patients with allergic symptoms in south China from 2017 to 2020. Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to test statistical significance of allergen sensitization difference among years. Logistic regression was performed to assess the magnitudes of the differences among years by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The number of hospital visits for patients with suspected allergy symptoms decreased during COVID-19. The positive rates of indoor inhalant allergens (house dust mites, German cockroach, dog dander) and tIgE increased significantly in 2020, while no significant differences were found in food allergens (egg white, milk, soya bean, shrimp) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds of sIgE positives in indoor inhalant allergens and tIgE positive for 2017 and 2020 were all larger than 1.00. After grouping by age and gender, there were significant differences in the positive rates of indoor inhalant allergens and tIgE when comparing 2020 with 2017. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sensitization increased significantly to indoor inhalant allergens but not to food allergens in south China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical relevance of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

The clinical relevance of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between KL-6 levels, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes. We enrolled 364 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized within 1 week of symptom onset. Their serum KL-6 level was measured on admission. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters were recorded at the time of admission. Days to nucleic acid conversion and days of hospitalization were defined as clinical outcomes for evaluating the clinical relevance of serum KL-6 levels in COVID-19. Patients with elevated KL-6 levels were significantly older; had more reported instances of fever, cough, fatigue, and wheezing; and a longer hospital stays than those with normal KL-6 levels; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, KL-6 levels was associated with the days of hospitalization and various laboratory parameters that influence the severity and prognosis of COVID-19. Elevated KL-6 levels have also been shown to be an independent risk factor for prolonged hospitalization. Our data suggest that serum KL-6 levels on admission can serve as an indicator for assessing the clinical outcomes of COVID-19.

Factors Affecting the Antibody Immunogenicity of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: A Focused Review.

Vaccines are a crucial part of the global anti-pandemic effort against COVID-19. The effects of vaccines, as well as their common influencing factors, are the most important issues that we should focus on at this time. To this end, we review statistics on immunogenicity after vaccination, using neutralizing antibodies as the main reference index. Age, infection history, and virus variants are compared, and vaccination program recommendations are made accordingly. Suggestions are made to address concerns raised by the vaccines' shortened development cycle, as well as the emergence of immunity escape of viral variants. Finally, a brief description and future prospects are provided based on the principle of the ADE effect and previous experience with similar viruses.

The Molecule Sensitized Pattern of Atopic Dermatitis Patients Who Co-Sensitized to Shrimp, Cockroaches, Crab and House Dust Mites.

This study investigated the molecule sensitized pattern of atopic dermatitis patients who co-sensitized to shrimp, cockroaches, crab and house dust mites allergens and promoted the development of clinical accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and hospital visits for IgE-mediated allergy: A time-stratified case-crossover study in southern China from 2012 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Because of the limited epidemiological evidence on the association between acute air pollutants and allergy, there is a need to investigate this association, especially between the short-term exposure to air pollution and the serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy. METHODS: A total of 39,569 IgE test results and demographic characteristics were obtained in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between August 2012 and September 2019. Ninety-nine specific allergens were tested according to clinical diagnosis. The logistic regression was used to assess the effects of CO, NO2 and PM2.5 exposure on the risk of sensitization to specific inhalant/food allergens. Generalized additive models with multivariate adjustments were utilized to model the exposure-response relationship. Stratified analyses were performed to estimate the reliability of correlations in various subgroups. FINDINGS: Single-pollutant models indicate that the 3-day moving average (lag2-4) of CO, PM2.5 or NO2 is associated with the increased risk for allergic diseases related to specific inhaled allergens. In multi-pollutant models, the adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 95% (Confidence Interval, CI) increases by 8% (95% CI, 2%-15%) for per increment of 0.2 mg/m3 in CO levels, and rises by 8% (95% CI, 2%-13%) for each increase of 16.3 µg/m3 in PM2.5 concentration. The associations are stronger in youngsters (<18, years) but not significantly different by gender. Particularly, a significantly stronger association between PM2.5 exposure and hospital visits for inhaled allergy is observed in patients who are exposed to lower concentration of SO2 (<10.333 µg/m3) and higher levels of NO2 (≥42.0 µg/m3), as well as patients enrolled after 2017. INTERPRETATION: The short-term exposure to CO/PM2.5 increases the number of hospital visits for IgE-mediated allergy, especially for the sensitization to specific inhalant allergens. Therefore, to prevent inhaled allergies, the public policy for controlling air pollution needs to be considered seriously. FUNDING: This study was supported by the University of Macau (grant numbers: FHS-CRDA-029-002-2017 and MYRG2018-00,071-FHS) as well as the Science and Technology Development Fund, Macau SAR (File no. 0004/2019/AFJ and 0011/2019/AKP). This work was also supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81,871,736), the National Key Technology R&D Program (2018YFC1311902), the Guangdong Science and Technology Foundation (2019B030316028), the Guangzhou Municipal Health Foundation (20191A011073), and the Guangzhou Science and Technology Foundation (201,804,020,043).